CLG picks up Damonte as new mid laner following poor LCS run

CLG will be playing with Tanner “Damonte” Damonte as its starting mid laner for the upcoming seventh week of the 2021 LCS Summer Split. 

Following the dramatic behind-the-scenes video released by CLG yesterday, the organization has now announced the roster swap that most people expected. In a video that was later deleted by CLG, general manager Daniel “Tafokints” Lee said that there will in fact be roster changes for this upcoming week. This change will be Damonte, who will replace Eugene “Pobelter” Park for the time being and try to help the team get back to winning ways. 

Damonte hasn’t played in the LCS since February when he played for 100 Thieves. After the first weeks of the season, Damonte was replaced as the starting mid laner and sent to the Academy level to play there. Damonte played with 100 Thieves Academy until May, where he was once again up for grabs as a free agent.  

Damonte replaces Pobelter for CLG

With Damonte being picked up by CLG, the 23-year-old mid laner gets another shot at proving himself in the LCS. After joining an LCS team for the first time with Echo Fox in 2017, Damonte has struggled to find a home where he can truly develop as a player. He has always been considered a big potential talent, but never really found a way to break all the way through. 

CLG is currently sitting at the bottom of the standings alongside Golden Guardians with a seasonal record of 10-26. If CLG wants to reach the playoffs this split, there have to be drastic changes in the team’s level of play. With Damonte, CLG might be able to get the breath of fresh air needed and new eyes on what the team needs. Damonte has previously participated in the 2019 World Championship with Clutch Gaming and is an experienced player. 

Damonte is known for being good at control mages such as Syndra, Viktor, and Zoe, which are all champions that suit CLG’s current playstyle well. Pobelter has tried to play some similar champions but without much luck. While CLG has gotten some decent wins, the team’s consistency is still lacking.

Damonte will play his first game under the CLG banner on Friday, July 17, against Team Liquid.